Seth Tuttle added 21 points and five rebounds for the Panthers (10-8, 4-2 MVC). Matt Bohannon and Wes Washpun each scored in double figures with 13 and 11 points respectively, with Washpun also tallying six assists.

Ron Mvouika had a career-high 28 points on 10-of-13 shooting, with four assists for the Bears (12-6, 2-4), as they dropped their third straight decision. Jarmar Gulley accounted for 16 points, Tyler McCullough 13 points in just 13 minutes off the bench as he shot a perfect 5-of-5 from the floor, followed by Austin Ruder with 11 points.

UNI drained 68.2 percent of its field goal attempts including, 6-of-10 from 3- point range, in the first frame and held a 39-36 lead at the break. The Bears were nearly as impressive by making 56.5 percent of their shots from the floor, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc.

Both teams stayed hot in the second period with the Panthers connecting on 66.7 percent of their field goal tries and Missouri State converting on 61.3 percent. A 17-6 run by UNI that started with 8:38 left is what set the teams apart.

The Panthers, who shot 67.4 percent from the floor on the afternoon, were better in transition as they outscored the Bears 12-2 in fast-break points.